One of baseball’s best running jokes just gained more steam.

The Rangers on Friday released right-hander Jesse Chavez from his minor-league contract because he wasn’t going to make the team. And so, Chavez was a free agent for … less than 48 hours.

You know what happened.

Yes, they called again. Yes, he signed with them again. Yes, he’s back.

The Braves on Saturday signed the 41-year-old Chavez to a minor-league deal. But he won’t make the Opening Day roster as the Braves announced Sunday afternoon that they reassigned Chavez to minor-league camp after he allowed two runs (one earned) over two innings in the Grapefruit League game against Baltimore.

At this point, the Chavez narrative is comical. This happened – and exactly this way – last year. Last year, the White Sox signed Chavez to a minor-league deal and invited him to spring training. They eventually released him and the Braves signed him toward the end of camp.

Chavez had a 3.13 ERA over 63 1/3 innings for Atlanta a season ago. He’s pitched in the majors for the Braves in each of the past four seasons. And you know the tale by now: His numbers are much better with the Braves than with anyone else.

For some reason, Chavez cannot make another roster, but finds a home in Atlanta. It’s incredible.

He’s back again.

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Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms on Monday, June 24, 2024. (Seeger Gray / AJC)

Credit: Seeger Gray/AJC